BE SPECIFIC! If you need things to accomplish your idea, tell us exactly what you have in mind and how it will help you reach your goal:

• What kind of materials?
• What series of literature?
• What destination(s)?
• What kind of equipment?

PREPARE A REALISTIC BUDGET FOR YOUR IDEA

• Do your homework on proposal.
• Get the best estimates you can on what ideas will cost.
• Provide clarity of costs.
• Be sure your idea is not something:

1. The Board of Education will fund.
2. Your school budget covers.
3. Covered by professional learning.

SELECT WHICH GRANT FOR WHICH YOU WILL APPLY. Pay attention to the purpose of each grant and make sure that your application fits that purpose.

FOCUS ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH

• How will your ideas engage students with interesting, challenging and satisfying work?
• It is not necessary to serve a large number of children to have a good proposal.
• It helps to show what group(s) may benefit

GIVE YOUR PROJECT A SHORT, EASY-TO-IDENTIFY TITLE A title that quickly summarizes your idea helps the Selection Committee. It also helps focus on the purpose of your project.

NAME SOMEONE WE CAN CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL DEF Selection Committees may need to contact people for more information in the midst of a meeting. Help them reach you!